Mandatory seat belts for bus passengers in Malaysia
Bus rides will look a little different for passengers come 1st July 2025. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is implementing a new regulation on the day, making the use of seat belts compulsory for all express and tour bus passengers and drivers in Malaysia.
This move is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety in the country, and follows the recent Gerik bus tragedy in Malaysia that claimed the lives of 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
Bus drivers & passengers must wear seat belts
The JPJ has mandated that all express and tour buses built from 1st January 2020 in Malaysia must have seat belts installed. Both drivers and passengers must also ensure their use before the bus moves. For buses built before 2020, JPJ is allowing a set period for the installation of seat belts.
JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli emphasised the importance of establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) at the bus company level to ensure compliance. This includes mechanisms to check that all passengers and drivers have their seat belts on before departure.
Image (for illustration purposes only) adapted from: Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia via Facebook
The implementation of this initiative is to strengthen the road safety system and reduce the risk of serious injuries or loss of life, particularly involving users of public transport and goods vehicles.
RM300 fine for non-compliance
To further ensure adherence to this new directive, the JPJ will issue guidelines to operators and conduct regular checks. Failure to comply with the new rules will result in an RM300 summons notice for drivers, passengers, and company operators.
If passengers fail to comply with the new seat belt rule and no reminder was issued by the bus driver, the passenger, driver, and bus operating company will be penalised. If the passenger refuses to comply, even after a reminder from the bus driver, only the passenger will be fined RM300.
This stringent enforcement is aimed at reinforcing the critical role of seat belts in enhancing road safety. It is also a step towards educating and changing the attitude of drivers and passengers to be more concerned about safety.
Image (for illustration purposes only) credit: Bahagian Penguatkuasa JPJ Malaysia via Facebook
The decision also comes on the heels of a safety audit that revealed significant lapses in safety standards among commercial vehicle operators. A reported 64% of bus operators – or 85 of 133 companies – in Malaysia failed the safety audit, as shared by the JPJ Enforcement Division in a Facebook post.
Seat belts are now mandatory on express and tour buses
The mandatory use of seat belts on buses in Malaysia is a step towards greater road safety for all. As the new regulation comes into effect, bus operators, drivers, and passengers must adhere to the rules to ensure a safer and more secure travel experience for everyone.
Cover image (for illustration purposes only) adapted from: Bahagian Penguatkuasa JPJ Malaysia via Facebook